AEC Manlleu v FC Barcelona B: Winning start to Copa Catalunya (1-3)

Barça B are still in the Copa Catalunya after beating Manlleu in Sunday’s first round match. One goal from Perea and a brace from Cardona did the trick in the fourth game of the preseason, following on from wins against l’Escala and Santfeliuenc and a loss to Llagostera.

Gerard López started Borja and Gumbau, who had featured in the previous day’s friendly with the first team in Dublin, on the bench, while the other players that went to Ireland were also there to cheer their colleagues on asd they got off to a dominant start but failed to break down the solid Manlleu defence. Xemi had a couple of long pops on goal while the opposition relied on dead ball situations for their chances. The deadlock was finally broken on the half hour by Perea after a powerful solo run and an equally forceful strike into the back of the net.

Back in control

Manlleu only took three minutes to back square from the feet of Sala, who pounced on a moment of indecision at the back for Barça B. But the reserves didn’t lose their composure and were soon back in command thanks to Marc Cardona, just five minutes after the equaliser. The half-time whistle blow shortly after, when Gumbau was called on to replace Xemi.

López made further changes as the second half progressed, with Quintillà, Borja López and Busquets all coming on. They continued to delight with some fine combinations plays, but the third goal game by the direct route. A long ball from Borja found Cardona, who struck a perfect shot to notch up his second goal of the game. There was still some time left on the clock, but Barça B managed the clock perfectly, with Kaptoum and Vilanova coming on towards the end. The 3-1 win means that Barça B will go into a second round fixture against Cornellà.

Barça B will now be heading straight for Peralada, where they will be training for six days through to Saturday, when they’ll return to the Miniestadi for a friendly with Reus. Trialist Frenchman Kevin Modibo Tounkara will be joining the squad for the trip to the Catalan mountains.